These 14 Unique Festivals Are Something Everyone In Nevada Should Experience Once

Nevada traditions are full of exciting adventures, especially those planned throughout the towns and cities in the Silver State. The festivals in our state pull in thousands of people from all over the world, offering a variety of things to do in Nevada. Join in the fun at these 14 action-packed celebrations!

1. Best Dam Barbecue Challenge, Boulder City: May 24 and 25, 2024

One of the best Boulder City events is having its 21st Annual celebration this year. Pitmasters from all over the country come to compete in a professional contest for a spot at the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational. This is also the primary fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Boulder City. Admission to this spring festival is free for spectators, and there’s plenty of delicious food, live entertainment, and kids activities. Find out more on the Best Dam Barbecue Challenge Facebook page.

2. Winnemucca Basque Festival, Winnemucca: June 7-9, 2024

This free cultural event showcases the colorful traditions of the Basques, a welcoming people from a region on the northern border between Spain and France who first came to search for gold in the 19th century. Try a variety of delicious foods, such as braised lamb, juicy steaks, and their signature dish - chorizo. Read all about it on the Winnemucca Basque Club Facebook page.

3. Reno River Festival: June 7-9, 2024

Celebrate at one of Reno’s largest, most popular festivals in May. In addition to tons of live entertainment, music, and food, several events are particularly fun and interesting. Decorate your bike, don a costume, and ride in the Reno River Roll. The whitewater events include kayak races, paddleboard races, and boatercross. For further details, visit the Reno River Festival website.

4. Nevada City Film Festival: June 21-23, 2024

This 24th annual celebration offers Shorts Programs, Movies Under the Pines, and more. Come out and meet some of the independent moviemakers while enjoying some of the most entertaining films, delicious food, and drinks. For more information, visit the Nevada City Film Festival website.

5. Hot August Nights, Reno: Aug. 4-11, 2024

If you’re a fan of vintage cars, this is the festival for you. Watch the parade go by, the drag races, the displays, and live entertainment. Oh yeah - and tons of beautifully restored cars are why we attend this fantastic event. See other exciting photos on the Hot August Nights Facebook page.

6. Water Lantern Festival, Reno: Aug. 24, 2024

This is quite possibly the most beautiful festival in the state. Thousands of festival-goers release lanterns into the night sky. Enjoy music, dancing, s’mores, and a general feeling of community and love at Sparks Marina. Read the schedule on the Water Lantern Festival website.

7. Burning Man, Black Rock Desert: Aug. 25–Sept 2, 2024

This is the biggest party ever held in the middle of a desert! Burning Man focuses on a commodity-free event, meaning that it doesn’t have corporate sponsors. It relies on donations. And remember: This isn't a festival, it's a city created by its citizens offering non-stop fun and entertainment. We love the art! See the lineup on the Burning Man website.

8. San Gennaro Feast, Las Vegas: Sept 18-22, 2024

The bi-annual event is in honor of Saint Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy, and one of the largest celebrations of Italian food and music. The fun-filled event offers something for everyone with ethnic food vendors, home exhibits, arts and crafts, face painters, and live acts from Italy and the Las Vegas Strip on the main concert stage!

Plus, you can take a spin on a thrilling amusement ride. For more information, visit the San Gennaro Feast Facebook page.

9. Reno Air Races, Reno: Oct. 4-6, 2024

This will be the 60th Anniversary and is sure to bring thousands of spectators - some events have brought in more than 150,000 - from around the country. You’ll see air shows, military displays, and performers, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The Reno Air Show website has more details.

10. Las Vegas PRIDE: Oct. 12, 2024

A celebration of LGBTQIA+, the Las Vegas event is a family-friendly PG-rated experience until 7 p.m. when PRIDE After-Dark becomes an adults-only party. Folks will enjoy tons of entertainment, food vendors, beer gardens, and a Family Activity Zone for kids. Ongoing events throughout the year can also be found on the Las Vegas PRIDE website.

11. When We Were Young Festival, Las Vegas: Oct. 19 and 20, 2024

Each General Admission ticket will get you into the Las Vegas Festival Grounds to enjoy all-day live performances on multiple stages. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from regional and local vendors.

See the lineup on the When We Were Young Festival website.

12. Nevada Day, Carson City: Oct. 26, 2024

Nevada Day celebrates Nevada’s statehood with a four-day celebration that includes a parade, run/walk, chili feed, beard contest, balloon launch, and tons of free entertainment. Read further details on the Nevada Day website.

13. Pahrump Social Powwow, Pahrump: Nov. 22-24, 2024

Did you know that Pahrump is home to the Western Shoshone and Paiute tribes? Pictured is Chris and Candice, the 2019 Head Man and Head Lady of the event. Paiute and Western Shoshone tribes come together during this powwow. Dance competitions and exhibitions show tribal traditions, and there’s plenty of authentic food and crafts available. The festival takes place every November on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Watch for updates on the Pahrump Social Powwow website.

14. Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend: April 24-28, 2025

One of the biggest Las Vegas events includes four days of music and fun. Events include car shows, a tattoo lounge, bowling, pool parties, a guitar festival, and burlesque classes. Look for the schedule on the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend Facebook page.

Nevada traditions are inclusive of these fun-filled festivals. Which festival in Nevada do you look forward to every year? Please share in the comments below.

If you're out touring around the Silver State, book an adventure with Viator. And look into this Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Nevada.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nevada/things-to-do-in-summer-nv/